Depilatory wax melting apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for the melting of depilatory wax, the apparatus comprising: a housing including at least: a receptacle; a heating element in thermal contact with the receptacle; and a control mechanism operable to control the heating element; and a removable skin that is removably placeable on the housing to protect the housing from wax deposits.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims the benefit of and/or is a non-provisional ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/489,606 filed Apr. 25, 2017 andU.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/394,367 filed Sep. 14, 2016. Theforegoing application is incorporated by reference in its entirety as iffully set forth herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to consumer product and, morespecifically, to a depilatory wax melting apparatus.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a depilatory wax melting apparatus includes, but isnot limited to: a housing that includes at least a receptacle, a heatingelement in thermal contact with the receptacle, a control mechanismoperable to control the heating element, and a removable skin that isremovably placeable on the housing to protect the housing from waxdeposits.

In one embodiment, the apparatus is approximately spherical and isformed from metal, plastic, wood, composite, or other similar materialand has dimensions of approximately three inches in radius with aone-inch spherical cap removed on its top side which exposes anapproximately cylindrical receptacle approximately two inches in radiusthat is flush with the flat surface created by the removed sphericalcap, and a second spherical cap removed on its bottom side to provide alevel surface for resting on objects. The apparatus is approximatelyfour inches tall. The apparatus has a control panel located at itsequator on the front side, the panel can have a multitude of differentcontrol configurations depending on the embodiment, but in one suchembodiment the control panel consists of a circular button surrounded bya second ring button. The apparatus includes a heating element locatedinside the structure and in thermal contact with the receptacle.

In some embodiments, the apparatus comes paired with an outer skin layerthat may be comprised of a variety of materials including, but notlimited to, plastics and silicone compounds, wherein the outer skinenvelops the apparatus to protect it from dripping wax as it is beingremoved from the receptacle

The particulars shown herein are by way of example. In this regard, noattempt is made to show structural details of the invention in moredetail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of theinvention. The description taken with the drawings and/or examples makeapparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of theinvention may be embodied in practice.

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the terms “a” and “an”are taken to mean “one”, “at least one” or “one or more”. Unlessotherwise required by context, singular terms used herein shall includepluralities and plural terms shall include the singular.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words ‘comprise’, ‘comprising’, and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to”. Words using the singular or pluralnumber also include the plural and singular number, respectively.Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” and “below” and words ofsimilar import, when used in this application, shall refer to thisapplication as a whole and not to any particular portions of theapplication.

Specific elements of any foregoing embodiments can be combined orsubstituted for elements in other embodiments. Furthermore, whileadvantages associated with certain embodiments of the disclosure havebeen described in the context of these embodiments, other embodimentsmay also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments neednecessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of thedisclosure.

While preferred and alternate embodiments have been illustrated anddescribed, as noted above, many changes can be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the inventiveconcept is not limited by the disclosure of these preferred andalternate embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below withreference to the following drawings:

FIG. 1 is an isometric, exploded perspective of a depilatory wax meltingapparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective of a depilatory wax melting apparatus, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective of a depilatory wax melting apparatus, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a left-side perspective of a depilatory wax melting apparatus,in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a right-side perspective of a depilatory wax meltingapparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective of a depilatory wax melting apparatus, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective of a depilatory wax melting apparatus, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective of the removable skin of a depilatory waxmelting apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective of the removable skin of a depilatory waxmelting apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a left-side perspective of the removable skin of a depilatorywax melting apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 11 is a right-side perspective of the removable skin of adepilatory wax melting apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective of the removable skin of a depilatory waxmelting apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a rear perspective of the removable skin of a depilatory waxmelting apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;and

FIG. 14 is an isometric perspective of the removable skin of adepilatory wax melting apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This invention relates generally to a consumer product and, morespecifically, to depilatory wax melting apparatus. Specific details ofcertain embodiments of the invention are set forth in the followingdescription and in FIGS. 1-14 to provide a thorough understanding ofsuch embodiments. The present invention may have additional embodiments,may be practiced without one or more of the details described for anyparticular described embodiment, or may have any detail described forone particular embodiment practiced with any other detail described foranother embodiment.

FIG. 1 is an isometric, exploded perspective of a depilatory wax meltingapparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

In one embodiment, a depilatory wax melting apparatus 100 includes, butis not limited to: a housing 102 that includes at least a receptacle104, a heating element 106 in thermal contact with the receptacle 104, acontrol mechanism 108 operable to control the heating element 106, and aremovable skin that is removably placeable on the housing 102 to protectthe housing from wax deposits.

The housing 102 may be of any three-dimensional polygonal shape, chosenfrom, but not limited to, the following: cube, sphere, dome, pyramid,cylinder, cuboid, cone, or prism. The housing 102 may be comprised of amultitude of materials including, but not limited to, metals, plastics,polymers, woods, or ceramics. The housing 102 may be comprised of one ormore independent pieces that form a shape. The housing 102 may beapproximately two inches to one foot wide and two inches to one foottall. The housing 102 may include one or more lights that may be coloredor able to change color. The housing 102 may include one or more feet110 for stabilizing the apparatus.

The receptacle 104 may be of any three-dimensional polygonal shape,chosen from, but not limited to, the following: cube, sphere, dome,pyramid, cuboid, cylinder, cone, or prism. The receptacle 104 may becomprised of a multitude of materials including, but not limited to,metals, plastics, polymers, woods, or ceramics. The receptacle 104 maybe one inch to one foot wide and one inch to one foot tall.

The heating element 106 may be of any shape chosen from, but not limitedto, the following: circle, square, triangle, rectangle, polygon, cube,sphere, dome, pyramid, cuboid, cylinder, cone, or prism. The heatingelement 106 may be in thermal contact with the bottom of the receptacle104. The heating element 106 may conform to the shape of the receptacle104. The heating element 106 may be powered by an external power sourcesuch as a cable, alternatively the heating element 106 may be powered byan internal power source such as a battery. The heating element 106 maybe one inch to six inches wide and from one millimeter to one inch tall.The heating element 106 may be separated from the receptacle 104 by analuminum plate 111 or other heat conductive material.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin envelopes the entire housing102 except for the control mechanism 108 and opening of the receptacle104. The removable skin may additionally envelope the control mechanism108 and have inputs for the control mechanism 108 integrated into itsstructure. The removable skin may removably cover the opening of thereceptacle 104 as a lid. The removable skin may be one quartermillimeter to two centimeters thick. In certain embodiments, theremovable skin is partially porous. In some embodiments, the removableskin has a texture and/or is comprised of a material that enables it tobe self-cleaning. In certain embodiments, the removable skin iscomprised of a temperature sensitive material which changes color uponreaching a certain temperature, alerting users when the wax inside hasfully melted or is reaching too high of a temperature.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin is shaped to conform to theshape of the housing 102. In other embodiments, the removable skin isshaped such that it drapes over the housing 102 loosely.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin is comprised of a flexiblepolymer material such as, but not limited to: silicone, plastic or otherelastomers. In other embodiments, the removable skin is comprised of amaterial such as, but not limited to: paper, cardboard, or wood.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin is secured to the portion ofthe receptacle 104 that is exposed by attaching to the rim of thereceptacle 104 via an integrated flange on the skin which forms a sealon the rim of the receptacle 104. In another embodiment, the removableskin is secured to the housing by an integrated latch in the housing 102which pinches a portion of the removable skin and secures it. In anotherembodiment, the removable skin is secured by wrapping around the edge ofthe housing 102 and adhering to the housing 102 through elasticfriction. In other embodiments, the removable skin is secured to thehousing 102 by being clamped between two pieces or more of the housing102.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin may be characterized by oneof, but is not limited to, the following shapes: cube, sphere, dome,pyramid, cuboid, cone, cylinder, or prism.

In one embodiment, the control mechanism 108 includes external controls112 which may be characterized by, but is not limited to, buttons,switches, dials, arrows, touch-sensitive, or levers. The controlmechanism 108 may include an integrated antenna for sending andreceiving radio signals. The control mechanism 108 may include adigital, visual, and/or analog display. The control mechanism 108 mayinclude one or more lights 114 that may be colored or able to changecolor. The control mechanism 108 control components may be onemillimeter to one inch wide and one millimeter to one inch tall. Thecontrol mechanism 108 may be one centimeter wide to six inches wide andone centimeter to six inches tall. The external controls 112 may beflush with the control mechanism 108, recessed up to one inch into thehousing 102, or extend up to one inch out of the housing 102.

The external controls 112, for example, may comprise a circular on andoff button 116 which is circumscribed by a circular temperature controlinput 118. The temperature control input 118 may be controlled bytouch-sense wherein the user moves their finger around the circle, whichin turn increases or decreases the temperature depending on whether theuser's finger moved clockwise or counterclockwise respectively.Alternatively, the user may press on one side to increase thetemperature, or the other to decrease it. Alternatively, temperaturecontrol input 118 may be the same button as the one and off button 116,with temperature being controlled by turning the button.

In certain embodiments, the computer processing component 120 is able todetect the amount of wax in the receptacle 104 through weight or fluidlevel data, processes that data to determine if it has become too low,and then instructs the control mechanism 108 to inform the user of thelow level and/or interface with a computer and instruct it to provideadditional wax, automatically order additional wax, and/or notify theuser of the need for additional wax. In some embodiments, if the wax inthe receptacle 104 reaches one third of its maximum level, the computerprocessing component 120 will interpret that data and will instruct acommunications component to communicate with an automated system, suchas Amazon's Alexa, to order additional wax. In some embodiments, if thewax in the receptacle 104 reaches one third of its maximum level, thecomputer processing component 120 will interpret that data and willinstruct a communications component to communicate with a user via anapplication downloaded onto their phone, and/or to send a text or SMSmessage to that user's phone, alerting them of the low wax.

In one embodiment, the invention comprises a method of controlling acomputer processing component 120 by instructing it to performoperations comprising, but not limited to: determining when to activatebased on one or more first parameters, turning on the heating element106 based on a determination of when to activate, controlling thetemperature of the heating element 106 based on one or more secondparameters, and deactivating the heating element 106 based upon one ormore third parameters.

In certain embodiments, the computer processing component 120 is able todetect the temperature of the wax and/or receptacle 104, processes thattemperature data to determine if it has become too hot or too cool, andthen instructs the heating element 106 to adjust the temperature asneeded. In another embodiment, the computer processing component 120sends instructions to a computer and/or application to inform a userthat that receptacle 104 has reached a certain temperature. In anotherembodiment, the computer processing component 120 interprets thetemperature data and instructs a display to show the current temperatureof the receptacle. In another embodiment, the computer processingcomponent 120 interprets the temperature data and instructs a connectedlight to turn on and/or off to signal the reaching of a certaintemperature, and/or instruct a connected light to change to a specificcolor to indicate the reaching of a certain temperature.

In certain embodiments, the computer processing component 120 is able todetect the current time based on an integrated timer, processes thatdata, and then instructs the control mechanism 108 to turn the apparatus100 and/or heating element 106 on or off, and/or activate or deactivatethe apparatus 100 depending on the data from said timer. In someembodiments, the computer processing component 120 detects the currenttime based on the integrated timer, compares it to a previous check ofthe time, and instructs the device to turn on or off if a certain amountof time has elapsed. In some embodiments, a user may use an applicationon their mobile phone or computer to set the timer for a period of time,such as one hour, during which the device will activate, and once thecomputer processing component 120 is informed by the timer that one hourhas elapsed, it will instruct the apparatus 100 to turn off.

In certain embodiments, the computer processing component 120 is able tointerpret a programmed schedule, processes that data, and then instructsthe control mechanism 108 to turn the apparatus 100 and/or heatingelement 106 on or off, and/or activate or deactivate the apparatus 100depending on the programmed schedule. In some embodiments, a user isable to create a program schedule using a mobile phone or computer, andthen transmit the program schedule to the apparatus 100, where thecomputer processing component 120 will interpret the schedule andinstruct the device and/or heating element 106 to turn on or off, ormodify the heating element's 106 temperature, based on the programmedschedule. In some embodiments, the programmed schedule set by a user maycorrespond to the hours the user's business is open, such that thecomputer processing component 120 interprets the program schedule andactivates the apparatus 100 at the time of the business's opening, orprior if necessary, and then deactivates the apparatus 100 upon theclose of business for the day. In said embodiment the schedule may alsoinclude instructions to modulate the heating element's 106 temperatureto keep the wax from drying or reaching too high of a temperature.

In certain embodiments, the computer processing component 120 is able todetect data from a proximity sensor, processes that data, and theninstructs the control mechanism 108 to turn the apparatus 100 and/orheating element 106 on or off, and/or activate or deactivate theapparatus 100 depending on the data. In some embodiments, the computerprocessing component 120 will detect when a person leaves proximity ofthe apparatus 100 and send the control mechanism instructions todeactivate the device and/or send instructions to the heating element106 to reduce the temperature so that power is not unnecessarilyconsumed and/or for safety purposes.

In certain embodiments, the computer processing component 120 is able todetect data from a motion sensor, processes that data, and theninstructs the control mechanism 108 to turn the apparatus 100 and/orheating element 106 on or off, and/or activate or deactivate theapparatus 100 depending on the data. In some embodiments, the motionsensor detects motion data, such as the door to the place of businessopening, the computer processing component 120 interprets the motiondata, and the computer processing component 120 then instructs thecontrol mechanism 108 to activate the device and/or increase thetemperature. In some embodiments, if the motion sensor detects no motionfor a specified period of time, the computer processing component 120will interpret that data and instruct the control mechanism 108 todeactivate the device and/or instruct the heating element 106 to reducethe temperature.

In certain embodiments, the computer processing component 120 is able todetect data from a light sensor, processes that data, and then instructsthe control mechanism 108 to turn the apparatus 100 and/or heatingelement 106 on or off, and/or activate or deactivate the apparatus 100depending on the data. In some embodiments, a light sensor detects thepresence of light, such as a business's light being turned on, andtransmits that data to the computer processing component 120, and thecomputer processing component 120 interprets the data and instructs thecontrol mechanism 108 to activate the apparatus 100. In someembodiments, a light sensor detects the absence of light, such as abusiness's light being turned off, and transmits that data to thecomputer processing component 120, and the computer processing component120 interprets the data and instructs the control mechanism 108 todeactivate the apparatus 100.

In certain embodiments, the computer processing component 120 is able todetect data from a sound sensor, processes that data, and then instructsthe control mechanism 108 to turn the apparatus 100 and/or heatingelement 106 on or off, and/or activate or deactivate the apparatus 100depending on the data. In some embodiments, the sound sensor detectssound above a certain decibel range and transmits that data to thecomputer processing component 120, which interprets that data andinstructs the device to activate. In some embodiments, the sound sensordetects sound of a specific wavelength and frequency, such as specifiedcommand, and the computer processing component 120 detects this data,interprets the sound wavelength and frequency, and if it matches thespecified command, transmits instructions to the control mechanism toactivate for one command, or deactivate for another. The temperature mayalso be controlled through specified commands through this same method.

In certain embodiments, the computer processing component 120 is able todetect whether a light switch is turned on or off, processes that data,and then instructs the control mechanism 108 to turn the apparatus 100and/or heating element 106 on or off, and/or activate or deactivate theapparatus 100 depending on the data. In some embodiments, a switch, suchas the light switch in a business, is connected directly or wirelesslyto the apparatus 100, and when it is turned on or off, the computerprocessing component 120 interprets that change and sends the controlmechanism 108 instructions to activate or deactivate the apparatus 100respectively.

In certain embodiments, the computer processing component 120 is able todetect user input through the control mechanism 108, processes that datato determine whether a connected light should be turned on or off and/orthe color of the light should be changed, and then instructs the lightto turn on or off or change color depending on the input data. In someembodiments, the user uses an application on their mobile phone orcomputer to transmit instructions to change the color of one or moreattached lights, activate or deactivate one or more attached lights, tothe computer processing component 120, which then interprets theinstructions and instructs the control mechanism 108 to change the colorof, activate, or deactivate the lights depending on the instructions.For example, the user can input into the application a request to changethe light to a blue color, the computer processing component 120 willreceive that command, interpret it, and instruct the control mechanismto change one or more attached lights to be blue in color.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective of a depilatory wax melting apparatus, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

In one embodiment, a depilatory wax melting apparatus 100 includes, butis not limited to: a housing 102 that includes at least a receptacle104, a heating element in thermal contact with the receptacle 104, and acontrol mechanism operable to control the heating element; and aremovable skin that is removably placeable on the housing 102 to protectthe housing from wax deposits.

The housing 102 may be of any three-dimensional polygonal shape, chosenfrom, but not limited to, the following: cube, sphere, dome, pyramid,cylinder, cuboid, cone, or prism. The housing 102 may be comprised of amultitude of materials including, but not limited to, metals, plastics,polymers, woods, or ceramics. The housing 102 may be comprised of one ormore independent pieces that form a shape. The housing 102 may beapproximately two inches to one foot wide and two inches to one foottall. The housing 102 may include one or more lights that may be coloredor able to change color. The housing 102 may include one or more feetfor stabilizing the apparatus.

The receptacle 104 may be of any three-dimensional polygonal shape,chosen from, but not limited to, the following: cube, sphere, dome,pyramid, cuboid, cylinder, cone, or prism. The receptacle 104 may becomprised of a multitude of materials including, but not limited to,metals, plastics, polymers, woods, or ceramics. The receptacle 104 maybe one inch to one foot wide and one inch to one foot tall.

The heating element may be of any shape chosen from, but not limited to,the following: circle, square, triangle, rectangle, polygon, cube,sphere, dome, pyramid, cuboid, cylinder, cone, or prism. The heatingelement may be in thermal contact with the bottom of the receptacle 104.The heating element may conform to the shape of the receptacle 104. Theheating element may be powered by an external power source such as acable, alternatively the heating element may be powered by an internalpower source such as a battery. The heating element may be one inch tosix inches wide and from one millimeter to one inch tall. The heatingelement may be separated from the receptacle 104 by an aluminum plate orother heat conductive material.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin envelopes the entire housing102 except for the control mechanism and opening of the receptacle 104.The removable skin may additionally envelope the control mechanism andhave inputs for the control mechanism integrated into its structure. Theremovable skin may removably cover the opening of the receptacle 104 asa lid. The removable skin may be one quarter millimeter to twocentimeters thick. In certain embodiments, the removable skin ispartially porous. In some embodiments, the removable skin has a textureand/or is comprised of a material that enables it to be self-cleaning.In certain embodiments, the removable skin is comprised of a temperaturesensitive material which changes color upon reaching a certaintemperature, alerting users when the wax inside has fully melted or isreaching too high of a temperature.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin is shaped to conform to theshape of the housing 102. In other embodiments, the removable skin isshaped such that it drapes over the housing 102 loosely.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin is comprised of a flexiblepolymer material such as, but not limited to: silicone, plastic or otherelastomers. In other embodiments, the removable skin is comprised of amaterial such as, but not limited to: paper, cardboard, or wood.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin is secured to the portion ofthe receptacle 104 that is exposed by attaching to the rim of thereceptacle 104 via an integrated flange on the skin which forms a sealon the rim of the receptacle 104. In another embodiment, the removableskin is secured to the housing by an integrated latch in the housing 102which pinches a portion of the removable skin and secures it. In anotherembodiment, the removable skin is secured by wrapping around the edge ofthe housing 102 and adhering to the housing 102 through elasticfriction. In other embodiments, the removable skin is secured to thehousing 102 by being clamped between two pieces or more of the housing102.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin may be characterized by oneof, but is not limited to, the following shapes: cube, sphere, dome,pyramid, cuboid, cone, cylinder, or prism.

In one embodiment, the control mechanism includes external controls 112which may be characterized by, but is not limited to, buttons, switches,dials, arrows, touch-sensitive, or levers. The control mechanism mayinclude an integrated antenna for sending and receiving radio signals.The control mechanism may include a digital, visual, and/or analogdisplay. The control mechanism may include one or more lights 114 thatmay be colored or able to change color. The control mechanism controlcomponents may be one millimeter to one inch wide and one millimeter toone inch tall. The control mechanism may be one centimeter wide to sixinches wide and one centimeter to six inches tall. The external controls112 may be flush with the control mechanism 108, recessed up to one inchinto the housing 102, or extend up to one inch out of the housing 102.

The external controls 112, for example, may comprise a circular on andoff button 116 which is circumscribed by a circular temperature controlinput 118. The temperature control input 118 may be controlled bytouch-sense wherein the user moves their finger around the circle, whichin turn increases or decreases the temperature depending on whether theuser's finger moved clockwise or counterclockwise respectively.Alternatively, the user may press on one side to increase thetemperature, or the other to decrease it. Alternatively, temperaturecontrol input 118 may be the same button as the one and off button 116,with temperature being controlled by turning the button.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective of a depilatory wax melting apparatus, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

In one embodiment, a depilatory wax melting apparatus 100 includes, butis not limited to: a housing 102 that includes at least a receptacle, aheating element in thermal contact with the receptacle, and a controlmechanism operable to control the heating element; and a removable skinthat is removably placeable on the housing 102 to protect the housingfrom wax deposits.

The housing 102 may be of any three-dimensional polygonal shape, chosenfrom, but not limited to, the following: cube, sphere, dome, pyramid,cylinder, cuboid, cone, or prism. The housing 102 may be comprised of amultitude of materials including, but not limited to, metals, plastics,polymers, woods, or ceramics. The housing 102 may be comprised of one ormore independent pieces that form a shape. The housing 102 may beapproximately two inches to one foot wide and two inches to one foottall. The housing 102 may include one or more lights that may be coloredor able to change color. The housing 102 may include one or more feet110 for stabilizing the apparatus.

The receptacle may be of any three-dimensional polygonal shape, chosenfrom, but not limited to, the following: cube, sphere, dome, pyramid,cuboid, cylinder, cone, or prism. The receptacle may be comprised of amultitude of materials including, but not limited to, metals, plastics,polymers, woods, or ceramics. The receptacle may be one inch to one footwide and one inch to one foot tall.

The heating element may be of any shape chosen from, but not limited to,the following: circle, square, triangle, rectangle, polygon, cube,sphere, dome, pyramid, cuboid, cylinder, cone, or prism. The heatingelement may be in thermal contact with the bottom of the receptacle. Theheating element may conform to the shape of the receptacle. The heatingelement may be powered by an external power source such as a cable,alternatively the heating element may be powered by an internal powersource such as a battery. The heating element may be one inch to sixinches wide and from one millimeter to one inch tall. The heatingelement may be separated from the receptacle by an aluminum plate orother heat conductive material.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin envelopes the entire housing102 except for the control mechanism and opening of the receptacle. Theremovable skin may additionally envelope the control mechanism and haveinputs for the control mechanism integrated into its structure. Theremovable skin may removably cover the opening of the receptacle as alid. The removable skin may be one quarter millimeter to two centimetersthick. In certain embodiments, the removable skin is partially porous.In some embodiments, the removable skin has a texture and/or iscomprised of a material that enables it to be self-cleaning. In certainembodiments, the removable skin is comprised of a temperature sensitivematerial which changes color upon reaching a certain temperature,alerting users when the wax inside has fully melted or is reaching toohigh of a temperature.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin is shaped to conform to theshape of the housing 102. In other embodiments, the removable skin isshaped such that it drapes over the housing 102 loosely.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin is comprised of a flexiblepolymer material such as, but not limited to: silicone, plastic or otherelastomers. In other embodiments, the removable skin is comprised of amaterial such as, but not limited to: paper, cardboard, or wood.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin is secured to the portion ofthe receptacle that is exposed by attaching to the rim of the receptaclevia an integrated flange on the skin which forms a seal on the rim ofthe receptacle. In another embodiment, the removable skin is secured tothe housing by an integrated latch in the housing 102 which pinches aportion of the removable skin and secures it. In another embodiment, theremovable skin is secured by wrapping around the edge of the housing 102and adhering to the housing 102 through elastic friction. In otherembodiments, the removable skin is secured to the housing 102 by beingclamped between two pieces or more of the housing 102.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin may be characterized by oneof, but is not limited to, the following shapes: cube, sphere, dome,pyramid, cuboid, cone, cylinder, or prism.

In one embodiment, the control mechanism includes external controls 112which may be characterized by, but is not limited to, buttons, switches,dials, arrows, touch-sensitive, or levers. The control mechanism mayinclude an integrated antenna for sending and receiving radio signals.The control mechanism may include a digital, visual, and/or analogdisplay. The control mechanism may include one or more lights 114 thatmay be colored or able to change color. The control mechanism controlcomponents may be one millimeter to one inch wide and one millimeter toone inch tall. The control mechanism may be one centimeter wide to sixinches wide and one centimeter to six inches tall. The external controls112 may be flush with the control mechanism 108, recessed up to one inchinto the housing 102, or extend up to one inch out of the housing 102.

The external controls 112, for example, may comprise a circular on andoff button 116 which is circumscribed by a circular temperature controlinput 118. The temperature control input 118 may be controlled bytouch-sense wherein the user moves their finger around the circle, whichin turn increases or decreases the temperature depending on whether theuser's finger moved clockwise or counterclockwise respectively.Alternatively, the user may press on one side to increase thetemperature, or the other to decrease it. Alternatively, temperaturecontrol input 118 may be the same button as the one and off button 116,with temperature being controlled by turning the button.

FIG. 4 is a left-side perspective of a depilatory wax melting apparatus,in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

In one embodiment, a depilatory wax melting apparatus 100 includes, butis not limited to: a housing 102 that includes at least a receptacle, aheating element in thermal contact with the receptacle, and a controlmechanism operable to control the heating element; and a removable skinthat is removably placeable on the housing 102 to protect the housingfrom wax deposits.

The housing 102 may be of any three-dimensional polygonal shape, chosenfrom, but not limited to, the following: cube, sphere, dome, pyramid,cylinder, cuboid, cone, or prism. The housing 102 may be comprised of amultitude of materials including, but not limited to, metals, plastics,polymers, woods, or ceramics. The housing 102 may be comprised of one ormore independent pieces that form a shape. The housing 102 may beapproximately two inches to one foot wide and two inches to one foottall. The housing 102 may include one or more lights that may be coloredor able to change color. The housing 102 may include one or more feet110 for stabilizing the apparatus.

The receptacle may be of any three-dimensional polygonal shape, chosenfrom, but not limited to, the following: cube, sphere, dome, pyramid,cuboid, cylinder, cone, or prism. The receptacle may be comprised of amultitude of materials including, but not limited to, metals, plastics,polymers, woods, or ceramics. The receptacle may be one inch to one footwide and one inch to one foot tall.

The heating element may be of any shape chosen from, but not limited to,the following: circle, square, triangle, rectangle, polygon, cube,sphere, dome, pyramid, cuboid, cylinder, cone, or prism. The heatingelement may be in thermal contact with the bottom of the receptacle. Theheating element may conform to the shape of the receptacle. The heatingelement may be powered by an external power source such as a cable,alternatively the heating element may be powered by an internal powersource such as a battery. The heating element may be one inch to sixinches wide and from one millimeter to one inch tall. The heatingelement may be separated from the receptacle by an aluminum plate orother heat conductive material.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin envelopes the entire housing102 except for the control mechanism and opening of the receptacle. Theremovable skin may additionally envelope the control mechanism and haveinputs for the control mechanism integrated into its structure. Theremovable skin may removably cover the opening of the receptacle as alid. The removable skin may be one quarter millimeter to two centimetersthick. In certain embodiments, the removable skin is partially porous.In some embodiments, the removable skin has a texture and/or iscomprised of a material that enables it to be self-cleaning. In certainembodiments, the removable skin is comprised of a temperature sensitivematerial which changes color upon reaching a certain temperature,alerting users when the wax inside has fully melted or is reaching toohigh of a temperature.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin is shaped to conform to theshape of the housing 102. In other embodiments, the removable skin isshaped such that it drapes over the housing 102 loosely.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin is comprised of a flexiblepolymer material such as, but not limited to: silicone, plastic or otherelastomers. In other embodiments, the removable skin is comprised of amaterial such as, but not limited to: paper, cardboard, or wood.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin is secured to the portion ofthe receptacle that is exposed by attaching to the rim of the receptaclevia an integrated flange on the skin which forms a seal on the rim ofthe receptacle. In another embodiment, the removable skin is secured tothe housing by an integrated latch in the housing 102 which pinches aportion of the removable skin and secures it. In another embodiment, theremovable skin is secured by wrapping around the edge of the housing 102and adhering to the housing 102 through elastic friction. In otherembodiments, the removable skin is secured to the housing 102 by beingclamped between two pieces or more of the housing 102.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin may be characterized by oneof, but is not limited to, the following shapes: cube, sphere, dome,pyramid, cuboid, cone, cylinder, or prism.

In one embodiment, the control mechanism includes external controls 112which may be characterized by, but is not limited to, buttons, switches,dials, arrows, touch-sensitive, or levers. The control mechanism mayinclude an integrated antenna for sending and receiving radio signals.The control mechanism may include a digital, visual, and/or analogdisplay. The control mechanism may include one or more lights 114 thatmay be colored or able to change color. The control mechanism controlcomponents may be one millimeter to one inch wide and one millimeter toone inch tall. The control mechanism may be one centimeter wide to sixinches wide and one centimeter to six inches tall. The external controls112 may be flush with the control mechanism 108, recessed up to one inchinto the housing 102, or extend up to one inch out of the housing 102.

The external controls 112, for example, may comprise a circular on andoff button 116 which is circumscribed by a circular temperature controlinput 118. The temperature control input 118 may be controlled bytouch-sense wherein the user moves their finger around the circle, whichin turn increases or decreases the temperature depending on whether theuser's finger moved clockwise or counterclockwise respectively.Alternatively, the user may press on one side to increase thetemperature, or the other to decrease it. Alternatively, temperaturecontrol input 118 may be the same button as the one and off button 116,with temperature being controlled by turning the button.

FIG. 5 is a right-side perspective of a depilatory wax meltingapparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

In one embodiment, a depilatory wax melting apparatus 100 includes, butis not limited to: a housing 102 that includes at least a receptacle, aheating element in thermal contact with the receptacle, and a controlmechanism operable to control the heating element; and a removable skinthat is removably placeable on the housing 102 to protect the housingfrom wax deposits.

The housing 102 may be of any three-dimensional polygonal shape, chosenfrom, but not limited to, the following: cube, sphere, dome, pyramid,cylinder, cuboid, cone, or prism. The housing 102 may be comprised of amultitude of materials including, but not limited to, metals, plastics,polymers, woods, or ceramics. The housing 102 may be comprised of one ormore independent pieces that form a shape. The housing 102 may beapproximately two inches to one foot wide and two inches to one foottall. The housing 102 may include one or more lights that may be coloredor able to change color. The housing 102 may include one or more feet110 for stabilizing the apparatus.

The receptacle may be of any three-dimensional polygonal shape, chosenfrom, but not limited to, the following: cube, sphere, dome, pyramid,cuboid, cylinder, cone, or prism. The receptacle may be comprised of amultitude of materials including, but not limited to, metals, plastics,polymers, woods, or ceramics. The receptacle may be one inch to one footwide and one inch to one foot tall.

The heating element may be of any shape chosen from, but not limited to,the following: circle, square, triangle, rectangle, polygon, cube,sphere, dome, pyramid, cuboid, cylinder, cone, or prism. The heatingelement may be in thermal contact with the bottom of the receptacle. Theheating element may conform to the shape of the receptacle. The heatingelement may be powered by an external power source such as a cable,alternatively the heating element may be powered by an internal powersource such as a battery. The heating element may be one inch to sixinches wide and from one millimeter to one inch tall. The heatingelement may be separated from the receptacle by an aluminum plate orother heat conductive material.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin envelopes the entire housing102 except for the control mechanism and opening of the receptacle. Theremovable skin may additionally envelope the control mechanism and haveinputs for the control mechanism integrated into its structure. Theremovable skin may removably cover the opening of the receptacle as alid. The removable skin may be one quarter millimeter to two centimetersthick. In certain embodiments, the removable skin is partially porous.In some embodiments, the removable skin has a texture and/or iscomprised of a material that enables it to be self-cleaning. In certainembodiments, the removable skin is comprised of a temperature sensitivematerial which changes color upon reaching a certain temperature,alerting users when the wax inside has fully melted or is reaching toohigh of a temperature.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin is shaped to conform to theshape of the housing 102. In other embodiments, the removable skin isshaped such that it drapes over the housing 102 loosely.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin is comprised of a flexiblepolymer material such as, but not limited to: silicone, plastic or otherelastomers. In other embodiments, the removable skin is comprised of amaterial such as, but not limited to: paper, cardboard, or wood.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin is secured to the portion ofthe receptacle that is exposed by attaching to the rim of the receptaclevia an integrated flange on the skin which forms a seal on the rim ofthe receptacle. In another embodiment, the removable skin is secured tothe housing by an integrated latch in the housing 102 which pinches aportion of the removable skin and secures it. In another embodiment, theremovable skin is secured by wrapping around the edge of the housing 102and adhering to the housing 102 through elastic friction. In otherembodiments, the removable skin is secured to the housing 102 by beingclamped between two pieces or more of the housing 102.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin may be characterized by oneof, but is not limited to, the following shapes: cube, sphere, dome,pyramid, cuboid, cone, cylinder, or prism.

In one embodiment, the control mechanism includes external controls 112which may be characterized by, but is not limited to, buttons, switches,dials, arrows, touch-sensitive, or levers. The control mechanism mayinclude an integrated antenna for sending and receiving radio signals.The control mechanism may include a digital, visual, and/or analogdisplay. The control mechanism may include one or more lights 114 thatmay be colored or able to change color. The control mechanism controlcomponents may be one millimeter to one inch wide and one millimeter toone inch tall. The control mechanism may be one centimeter wide to sixinches wide and one centimeter to six inches tall. The external controls112 may be flush with the control mechanism 108, recessed up to one inchinto the housing 102, or extend up to one inch out of the housing 102.

The external controls 112, for example, may comprise a circular on andoff button 116 which is circumscribed by a circular temperature controlinput 118. The temperature control input 118 may be controlled bytouch-sense wherein the user moves their finger around the circle, whichin turn increases or decreases the temperature depending on whether theuser's finger moved clockwise or counterclockwise respectively.Alternatively, the user may press on one side to increase thetemperature, or the other to decrease it. Alternatively, temperaturecontrol input 118 may be the same button as the one and off button 116,with temperature being controlled by turning the button.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective of a depilatory wax melting apparatus, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

In one embodiment, a depilatory wax melting apparatus 100 includes, butis not limited to: a housing 102 that includes at least a receptacle, aheating element in thermal contact with the receptacle, and a controlmechanism operable to control the heating element; and a removable skinthat is removably placeable on the housing 102 to protect the housingfrom wax deposits.

The housing 102 may be of any three-dimensional polygonal shape, chosenfrom, but not limited to, the following: cube, sphere, dome, pyramid,cylinder, cuboid, cone, or prism. The housing 102 may be comprised of amultitude of materials including, but not limited to, metals, plastics,polymers, woods, or ceramics. The housing 102 may be comprised of one ormore independent pieces that form a shape. The housing 102 may beapproximately two inches to one foot wide and two inches to one foottall. The housing 102 may include one or more lights that may be coloredor able to change color. The housing 102 may include one or more feet110 for stabilizing the apparatus.

The receptacle may be of any three-dimensional polygonal shape, chosenfrom, but not limited to, the following: cube, sphere, dome, pyramid,cuboid, cylinder, cone, or prism. The receptacle may be comprised of amultitude of materials including, but not limited to, metals, plastics,polymers, woods, or ceramics. The receptacle may be one inch to one footwide and one inch to one foot tall.

The heating element may be of any shape chosen from, but not limited to,the following: circle, square, triangle, rectangle, polygon, cube,sphere, dome, pyramid, cuboid, cylinder, cone, or prism. The heatingelement may be in thermal contact with the bottom of the receptacle. Theheating element may conform to the shape of the receptacle. The heatingelement may be powered by an external power source such as a cable,alternatively the heating element may be powered by an internal powersource such as a battery. The heating element may be one inch to sixinches wide and from one millimeter to one inch tall. The heatingelement may be separated from the receptacle by an aluminum plate orother heat conductive material.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin envelopes the entire housing102 except for the control mechanism and opening of the receptacle. Theremovable skin may additionally envelope the control mechanism and haveinputs for the control mechanism integrated into its structure. Theremovable skin may removably cover the opening of the receptacle as alid. The removable skin may be one quarter millimeter to two centimetersthick. In certain embodiments, the removable skin is partially porous.In some embodiments, the removable skin has a texture and/or iscomprised of a material that enables it to be self-cleaning. In certainembodiments, the removable skin is comprised of a temperature sensitivematerial which changes color upon reaching a certain temperature,alerting users when the wax inside has fully melted or is reaching toohigh of a temperature.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin is shaped to conform to theshape of the housing 102. In other embodiments, the removable skin isshaped such that it drapes over the housing 102 loosely.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin is comprised of a flexiblepolymer material such as, but not limited to: silicone, plastic or otherelastomers. In other embodiments, the removable skin is comprised of amaterial such as, but not limited to: paper, cardboard, or wood.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin is secured to the portion ofthe receptacle that is exposed by attaching to the rim of the receptaclevia an integrated flange on the skin which forms a seal on the rim ofthe receptacle. In another embodiment, the removable skin is secured tothe housing by an integrated latch in the housing 102 which pinches aportion of the removable skin and secures it. In another embodiment, theremovable skin is secured by wrapping around the edge of the housing 102and adhering to the housing 102 through elastic friction. In otherembodiments, the removable skin is secured to the housing 102 by beingclamped between two pieces or more of the housing 102.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin may be characterized by oneof, but is not limited to, the following shapes: cube, sphere, dome,pyramid, cuboid, cone, cylinder, or prism.

In one embodiment, the control mechanism includes external controls 112which may be characterized by, but is not limited to, buttons, switches,dials, arrows, touch-sensitive, or levers. The control mechanism mayinclude an integrated antenna for sending and receiving radio signals.The control mechanism may include a digital, visual, and/or analogdisplay. The control mechanism may include one or more lights 114 thatmay be colored or able to change color. The control mechanism controlcomponents may be one millimeter to one inch wide and one millimeter toone inch tall. The control mechanism may be one centimeter wide to sixinches wide and one centimeter to six inches tall. The external controls112 may be flush with the control mechanism 108, recessed up to one inchinto the housing 102, or extend up to one inch out of the housing 102.

The external controls 112, for example, may comprise a circular on andoff button 116 which is circumscribed by a circular temperature controlinput 118. The temperature control input 118 may be controlled bytouch-sense wherein the user moves their finger around the circle, whichin turn increases or decreases the temperature depending on whether theuser's finger moved clockwise or counterclockwise respectively.Alternatively, the user may press on one side to increase thetemperature, or the other to decrease it. Alternatively, temperaturecontrol input 118 may be the same button as the one and off button 116,with temperature being controlled by turning the button.

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective of a depilatory wax melting apparatus, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

In one embodiment, a depilatory wax melting apparatus 100 includes, butis not limited to: a housing 102 that includes at least a receptacle104, a heating element in thermal contact with the receptacle 104, and acontrol mechanism operable to control the heating element; and aremovable skin that is removably placeable on the housing 102 to protectthe housing from wax deposits.

The housing 102 may be of any three-dimensional polygonal shape, chosenfrom, but not limited to, the following: cube, sphere, dome, pyramid,cylinder, cuboid, cone, or prism. The housing 102 may be comprised of amultitude of materials including, but not limited to, metals, plastics,polymers, woods, or ceramics. The housing 102 may be comprised of one ormore independent pieces that form a shape. The housing 102 may beapproximately two inches to one foot wide and two inches to one foottall. The housing 102 may include one or more lights that may be coloredor able to change color. The housing 102 may include one or more feetfor stabilizing the apparatus.

The receptacle 104 may be of any three-dimensional polygonal shape,chosen from, but not limited to, the following: cube, sphere, dome,pyramid, cuboid, cylinder, cone, or prism. The receptacle 104 may becomprised of a multitude of materials including, but not limited to,metals, plastics, polymers, woods, or ceramics. The receptacle 104 maybe one inch to one foot wide and one inch to one foot tall.

The heating element may be of any shape chosen from, but not limited to,the following: circle, square, triangle, rectangle, polygon, cube,sphere, dome, pyramid, cuboid, cylinder, cone, or prism. The heatingelement may be in thermal contact with the bottom of the receptacle 104.The heating element may conform to the shape of the receptacle 104. Theheating element may be powered by an external power source such as acable, alternatively the heating element may be powered by an internalpower source such as a battery. The heating element may be one inch tosix inches wide and from one millimeter to one inch tall. The heatingelement may be separated from the receptacle 104 by an aluminum plate orother heat conductive material.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin envelopes the entire housing102 except for the control mechanism and opening of the receptacle 104.The removable skin may additionally envelope the control mechanism andhave inputs for the control mechanism integrated into its structure. Theremovable skin may removably cover the opening of the receptacle 104 asa lid. The removable skin may be one quarter millimeter to twocentimeters thick. In certain embodiments, the removable skin ispartially porous. In some embodiments, the removable skin has a textureand/or is comprised of a material that enables it to be self-cleaning.In certain embodiments, the removable skin is comprised of a temperaturesensitive material which changes color upon reaching a certaintemperature, alerting users when the wax inside has fully melted or isreaching too high of a temperature.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin is shaped to conform to theshape of the housing 102. In other embodiments, the removable skin isshaped such that it drapes over the housing 102 loosely.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin is comprised of a flexiblepolymer material such as, but not limited to: silicone, plastic or otherelastomers. In other embodiments, the removable skin is comprised of amaterial such as, but not limited to: paper, cardboard, or wood.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin is secured to the portion ofthe receptacle 104 that is exposed by attaching to the rim of thereceptacle 104 via an integrated flange on the skin which forms a sealon the rim of the receptacle 104. In another embodiment, the removableskin is secured to the housing by an integrated latch in the housing 102which pinches a portion of the removable skin and secures it. In anotherembodiment, the removable skin is secured by wrapping around the edge ofthe housing 102 and adhering to the housing 102 through elasticfriction. In other embodiments, the removable skin is secured to thehousing 102 by being clamped between two pieces or more of the housing102.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin may be characterized by oneof, but is not limited to, the following shapes: cube, sphere, dome,pyramid, cuboid, cone, cylinder, or prism.

In one embodiment, the control mechanism includes external controls 112which may be characterized by, but is not limited to, buttons, switches,dials, arrows, touch-sensitive, or levers. The control mechanism mayinclude an integrated antenna for sending and receiving radio signals.The control mechanism may include a digital, visual, and/or analogdisplay. The control mechanism may include one or more lights 114 thatmay be colored or able to change color. The control mechanism controlcomponents may be one millimeter to one inch wide and one millimeter toone inch tall. The control mechanism may be one centimeter wide to sixinches wide and one centimeter to six inches tall. The external controls112 may be flush with the control mechanism, recessed up to one inchinto the housing 102, or extend up to one inch out of the housing 102.

The external controls 112, for example, may comprise a circular on andoff button 116 which is circumscribed by a circular temperature controlinput 118. The temperature control input 118 may be controlled bytouch-sense wherein the user moves their finger around the circle, whichin turn increases or decreases the temperature depending on whether theuser's finger moved clockwise or counterclockwise respectively.Alternatively, the user may press on one side to increase thetemperature, or the other to decrease it. Alternatively, temperaturecontrol input 118 may be the same button as the one and off button 116,with temperature being controlled by turning the button.

FIG. 8 is a top perspective of the removable skin of a depilatory waxmelting apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

In one embodiment, a depilatory wax melting apparatus includes, but isnot limited to: a housing that includes at least a receptacle, a heatingelement in thermal contact with the receptacle, and a control mechanismoperable to control the heating element; and a removable skin 800 thatis removably placeable on the housing to protect the housing from waxdeposits.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin 800 is shaped to conform tothe shape of the housing. In other embodiments, the removable skin 800is shaped such that it drapes over the housing loosely.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin 800 is comprised of aflexible polymer material such as, but not limited to: silicone, plasticor other elastomers. In other embodiments, the removable skin 800 iscomprised of a material such as, but not limited to: paper, cardboard,or wood.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin 800 is secured to the portionof the receptacle that is exposed by attaching to the rim of thereceptacle via an integrated flange on the skin which forms a seal onthe rim of the receptacle. In another embodiment, the removable skin 800is secured to the housing by an integrated latch in the housing whichpinches a portion of the removable skin 800 and secures it. In anotherembodiment, the removable skin 800 is secured by wrapping around theedge of the housing and adhering to the housing through elasticfriction. In other embodiments, the removable skin 800 is secured to thehousing by being clamped between two pieces or more of the housing.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin 800 may be characterized byone of, but is not limited to, the following shapes: cube, sphere, dome,pyramid, cuboid, cone, cylinder, or prism.

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective of the removable skin of a depilatory waxmelting apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

In one embodiment, a depilatory wax melting apparatus includes, but isnot limited to: a housing that includes at least a receptacle, a heatingelement in thermal contact with the receptacle, and a control mechanismoperable to control the heating element; and a removable skin 800 thatis removably placeable on the housing to protect the housing from waxdeposits.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin 800 is shaped to conform tothe shape of the housing. In other embodiments, the removable skin 800is shaped such that it drapes over the housing loosely.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin 800 is comprised of aflexible polymer material such as, but not limited to: silicone, plasticor other elastomers. In other embodiments, the removable skin 800 iscomprised of a material such as, but not limited to: paper, cardboard,or wood.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin 800 is secured to the portionof the receptacle that is exposed by attaching to the rim of thereceptacle via an integrated flange on the skin which forms a seal onthe rim of the receptacle. In another embodiment, the removable skin 800is secured to the housing by an integrated latch in the housing whichpinches a portion of the removable skin 800 and secures it. In anotherembodiment, the removable skin 800 is secured by wrapping around theedge of the housing and adhering to the housing through elasticfriction. In other embodiments, the removable skin 800 is secured to thehousing by being clamped between two pieces or more of the housing.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin 800 may be characterized byone of, but is not limited to, the following shapes: cube, sphere, dome,pyramid, cuboid, cone, cylinder, or prism.

FIG. 10 is a left-side perspective of the removable skin of a depilatorywax melting apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

In one embodiment, a depilatory wax melting apparatus includes, but isnot limited to: a housing that includes at least a receptacle, a heatingelement in thermal contact with the receptacle, and a control mechanismoperable to control the heating element, and a removable skin 800 thatis removably placeable on the housing to protect the housing from waxdeposits.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin 800 is shaped to conform tothe shape of the housing. In other embodiments, the removable skin 800is shaped such that it drapes over the housing loosely.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin 800 is comprised of aflexible polymer material such as, but not limited to: silicone, plasticor other elastomers. In other embodiments, the removable skin 800 iscomprised of a material such as, but not limited to: paper, cardboard,or wood.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin 800 is secured to the portionof the receptacle that is exposed by attaching to the rim of thereceptacle via an integrated flange on the skin which forms a seal onthe rim of the receptacle. In another embodiment, the removable skin 800is secured to the housing by an integrated latch in the housing whichpinches a portion of the removable skin 800 and secures it. In anotherembodiment, the removable skin 800 is secured by wrapping around theedge of the housing and adhering to the housing through elasticfriction. In other embodiments, the removable skin 800 is secured to thehousing by being clamped between two pieces or more of the housing.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin 800 may be characterized byone of, but is not limited to, the following shapes: cube, sphere, dome,pyramid, cuboid, cone, cylinder, or prism.

FIG. 11 is a right-side perspective of the removable skin of adepilatory wax melting apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention.

In one embodiment, a depilatory wax melting apparatus includes, but isnot limited to: a housing that includes at least a receptacle, a heatingelement in thermal contact with the receptacle, and a control mechanismoperable to control the heating element; and a removable skin 800 thatis removably placeable on the housing to protect the housing from waxdeposits.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin 800 is shaped to conform tothe shape of the housing. In other embodiments, the removable skin 800is shaped such that it drapes over the housing loosely.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin 800 is comprised of aflexible polymer material such as, but not limited to: silicone, plasticor other elastomers. In other embodiments, the removable skin 800 iscomprised of a material such as, but not limited to: paper, cardboard,or wood.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin 800 is secured to the portionof the receptacle that is exposed by attaching to the rim of thereceptacle via an integrated flange on the skin which forms a seal onthe rim of the receptacle. In another embodiment, the removable skin 800is secured to the housing by an integrated latch in the housing whichpinches a portion of the removable skin 800 and secures it. In anotherembodiment, the removable skin 800 is secured by wrapping around theedge of the housing and adhering to the housing through elasticfriction. In other embodiments, the removable skin 800 is secured to thehousing by being clamped between two pieces or more of the housing.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin 800 may be characterized byone of, but is not limited to, the following shapes: cube, sphere, dome,pyramid, cuboid, cone, cylinder, or prism.

FIG. 12 is a top perspective of the removable skin of a depilatory waxmelting apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

In one embodiment, a depilatory wax melting apparatus includes, but isnot limited to: a housing that includes at least a receptacle, a heatingelement in thermal contact with the receptacle, and a control mechanismoperable to control the heating element, and a removable skin 800 thatis removably placeable on the housing to protect the housing from waxdeposits.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin 800 is shaped to conform tothe shape of the housing. In other embodiments, the removable skin 800is shaped such that it drapes over the housing loosely.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin 800 is comprised of aflexible polymer material such as, but not limited to: silicone, plasticor other elastomers. In other embodiments, the removable skin 800 iscomprised of a material such as, but not limited to: paper, cardboard,or wood.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin 800 is secured to the portionof the receptacle that is exposed by attaching to the rim of thereceptacle via an integrated flange on the skin which forms a seal onthe rim of the receptacle. In another embodiment, the removable skin 800is secured to the housing by an integrated latch in the housing whichpinches a portion of the removable skin 800 and secures it. In anotherembodiment, the removable skin 800 is secured by wrapping around theedge of the housing and adhering to the housing through elasticfriction. In other embodiments, the removable skin 800 is secured to thehousing by being clamped between two pieces or more of the housing.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin 800 may be characterized byone of, but is not limited to, the following shapes: cube, sphere, dome,pyramid, cuboid, cone, cylinder, or prism.

FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective of the removable skin of a depilatorywax melting apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

In one embodiment, a depilatory wax melting apparatus includes, but isnot limited to: a housing that includes at least a receptacle, a heatingelement in thermal contact with the receptacle, and a control mechanismoperable to control the heating element, and a removable skin 800 thatis removably placeable on the housing to protect the housing from waxdeposits.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin 800 is shaped to conform tothe shape of the housing. In other embodiments, the removable skin 800is shaped such that it drapes over the housing loosely.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin 800 is comprised of aflexible polymer material such as, but not limited to: silicone, plasticor other elastomers. In other embodiments, the removable skin 800 iscomprised of a material such as, but not limited to: paper, cardboard,or wood.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin 800 is secured to the portionof the receptacle that is exposed by attaching to the rim of thereceptacle via an integrated flange on the skin which forms a seal onthe rim of the receptacle. In another embodiment, the removable skin 800is secured to the housing by an integrated latch in the housing whichpinches a portion of the removable skin 800 and secures it. In anotherembodiment, the removable skin 800 is secured by wrapping around theedge of the housing and adhering to the housing through elasticfriction. In other embodiments, the removable skin 800 is secured to thehousing by being clamped between two pieces or more of the housing.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin 800 may be characterized byone of, but is not limited to, the following shapes: cube, sphere, dome,pyramid, cuboid, cone, cylinder, or prism.

FIG. 14 is an isometric perspective of the removable skin of adepilatory wax melting apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention.

In one embodiment, a depilatory wax melting apparatus includes, but isnot limited to: a housing that includes at least a receptacle, a heatingelement in thermal contact with the receptacle, and a control mechanismoperable to control the heating element; and a removable skin 800 thatis removably placeable on the housing to protect the housing from waxdeposits.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin 800 is shaped to conform tothe shape of the housing. In other embodiments, the removable skin 800is shaped such that it drapes over the housing loosely.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin 800 is comprised of aflexible polymer material such as, but not limited to: silicone, plasticor other elastomers. In other embodiments, the removable skin 800 iscomprised of a material such as, but not limited to: paper, cardboard,or wood.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin 800 is secured to the portionof the receptacle that is exposed by attaching to the rim of thereceptacle via an integrated flange on the skin which forms a seal onthe rim of the receptacle. In another embodiment, the removable skin 800is secured to the housing by an integrated latch in the housing whichpinches a portion of the removable skin 800 and secures it. In anotherembodiment, the removable skin 800 is secured by wrapping around theedge of the housing and adhering to the housing through elasticfriction. In other embodiments, the removable skin 800 is secured to thehousing by being clamped between two pieces or more of the housing.

In certain embodiments, the removable skin 800 may be characterized byone of, but is not limited to, the following shapes: cube, sphere, dome,pyramid, cuboid, cone, cylinder, or prism.

While preferred and alternate embodiments of the invention have beenillustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosureof these preferred and alternate embodiments. Instead, the inventionshould be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow.

1. An apparatus for the melting of depilatory wax, the apparatuscomprising: a housing that includes an opening on a top portion, thehousing including at least: a receptacle that is exposed via the openingin the top portion of the housing; a heating element in thermal contactwith the receptacle; and a control mechanism operable to control theheating element; and a removable skin that is removably placeable on thetop portion of the housing the housing, the removable skin beingcontoured to the shape of the tot portion of the housing and having anaperture that corresponds to the opening of the housing to expose thereceptacle and to protect the top portion of the housing from waxdeposits.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the removable skinenvelopes the housing except for the control mechanism.
 3. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the removable skin covers the bottom of the housing.4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the removable skin is comprised ofa flexible polymer material.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theremovable skin is secured to an exposed portion of the receptacle. 6.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the removable skin is secured to thehousing by partially enveloping the opening of the housing to expose thereceptacle.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the removable skin issecured by wrapping around an edge of the housing.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the removable skin is characterized by one of thefollowing shapes: cube, sphere, dome, pyramid, cuboid, cylinder, cone,or prism.
 9. (canceled)
 10. A method of controlling a computerprocessing component of a depilatory wax heating apparatus to performoperations comprising: determining when to activate based on one or morefirst parameters; turning on a heating element based on a determinationof when to activate; controlling temperature of the heating elementbased on one or more second parameters; and deactivating the heatingelement based on one or more third parameters.
 11. The method of claim10 further comprising: detecting when the amount of wax in thereceptacle is low; and automatically transmitting a restock request viaa communication link in response to detection that an amount of wax islow.
 12. (canceled)
 13. The method of claim 10, further comprising:determining when to activate, deactivate, or adjust the temperaturebased on a programed schedule.
 14. The method of claim 10, furthercomprising: determining when to activate, deactivate, or adjust thetemperature based on detection of a person within a specified distancefrom the apparatus.
 15. The method of claim 10, further comprising:determining when to activate, deactivate, or adjust the temperaturebased on detection of a specified brightness of light.
 16. (canceled)17. (canceled)
 18. (canceled)
 19. (canceled)
 20. (canceled)
 21. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing is an oblate sphere in shape.22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the removable skin is contouredto exactly fit the housing.
 23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein theopening on the top portion of the housing is circular.
 24. The apparatusof claim 23, wherein the portion of the receptacle that is exposed viathe opening is circular.
 25. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thehousing is in the shape of an oblate spheroid with a height axisapproximately one quarter a length of a radii; wherein the opening on atop portion of the housing is a circle approximately three inches indiameter; wherein the removable skin is approximately one-halfcentimeter thick in an oblate sphere shape wherein an inner radii matchan outer radii of the housing; and wherein the receptacle is a cylinderwith a diameter of approximately three inches and a depth ofapproximately three inches.